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The Seattle Post-Intelligencer profiles Pamela Waechter, who died at the hands of accused anti-Israel shooter Naveed Haq on Friday.

At Temple B’nai Torah in Bellevue, where the 58-year-old Waechter was a member for about 30 years, services went on. But unlike most Saturdays, there was a police officer sitting in a parked squad car outside the temple and there were tears as members greeted one another.
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Pam Waechter

After a late morning service, Rabbi James Mirel said Waechter’s death is a loss to the entire Jewish community, not just his congregation.

“It’s hard for us to understand, but this is so far past the Seattle community,” he said, “It reverberates throughout the entire world.”

Waechter’s memory will serve as a reminder for the rest of the community to carry on, Mirel said.

“I think of her as an inspiration,” he said. “I know there will not be a day for the rest of my life I will not think of her.”

She worked for the Jewish Federation of Seattle for 8 years; spent nine years as a family support volunteer for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; served on the board of her congregation, Temple B’nai Torah, including president for three years; earned the 1993 Jesse Danz Outstanding Volunteer Award from Jewish Family Service; was the UHAC/Central Conference of American Rabbis Commission on Reform Jewish Outreach for nine years, including four years as Vice Chair; and was on the National Board Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations for eight years.

She was also the federation’s former director of special events and worked as development officer and assistant director of annual giving.